Future industrial use plans for Liddell site approved after amendments
The NSW Government has approved plans for the future use of the Liddell Power Station site, following amendments aimed at reducing environmental impacts.
AGL Macquarie has received the tick of approval from the NSW Government to move ahead with the demolition, remediation, and redevelopment of the former Liddell Power Station site for industrial purposes, providing long-term economic benefits for the Upper Hunter.
The approval covers 143 hectares south of Muswellbrook and is expected to bring over $260 million in capital investment to the region. The project is estimated to create 100 full-time equivalent jobs during its development.
The approved works include:
- Demolishing the former power station and redundant infrastructure
- Establishing a borrow pit to provide materials for site capping and civil works
- Recontouring and revegetating the area
- Constructing and operating a landfill for asbestos-contaminated material
The Liddell Power Station closed in 2023 at the end of its operational life, and its owner, AGL, has committed to remediating the site for future industrial use. The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has set strict conditions to manage environmental impacts, including biodiversity, water, and traffic concerns. Work is expected to begin within three months and continue over the next decade.
The decision supports the NSW Government’s broader approach to industrial land use, as outlined in its recently released Industrial Lands Action Plan. The plan focuses on ensuring a stable supply of industrial land to attract investment and create jobs in regional areas.
“Under the Minns Government, we have a planning system that is supporting the renewable energy transition, approving projects that will support our communities, energy security and emissions reductions," Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said.
During the assessment process, changes were made to reduce the project’s footprint and limit impacts on native vegetation. The total disturbance area has been reduced from 255 hectares to 143 hectares, avoiding 399 hectares of land. Other amendments include:
- Rerouting an existing water supply pipeline to improve dust suppression during land capping
- Increasing the amount of rock that can be crushed onsite for reuse in civil works
- Relocating the planned asbestos disposal facility to allow for earlier construction
Some demolition works, including transformer bays and external buildings, will be managed under a separate approval process.
The approved works will prepare the site for future industrial use, including potential renewable energy projects and manufacturing facilities. While no specific new developments have been approved as part of this process, separate applications will be required for any future projects.
Read more about AGL Macquarie's plans for a Hunter Hub on their website here.
